'We would like to have an open conversation with people about the use of mystery shoppers and hidden cameras.'
Photograph: Brian Harris / Rex Features

Hidden cameras and 'mystery shoppers' could be used to monitor services in care homes. These were among proposals put forward by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which said it would hold discussions over "the potential use of hidden surveillance".

Wouldn't it be a better idea to pay carers more and require them to do more training?

If the staff running care homes were more selective and provided better training then they could hopefully weed out more of the people who didn't want to be there and could turn abusive.

Other than invading the privacy of the residents and the law abiding staff, CCTV and mystery shoppers aren't tackling the root of the problem which is that good care is undervalued and underpaid but will be crucial to most of us one day if we live that long.

I work as a nurse in a care home. I would welcome it, not only because we have nothing to hide in the majority of home but also it would highlight the poor pay we get for the work we do.....not sure the civil liberties groups would be too happy about this though...